Domestic violence

Domestic violence is unacceptable and tackling the issue is a priority for this government.

Our response to domestic violence is included within the violence against women and girls action plan. The government definition of domestic violence is:

• 'Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.'

This includes issues of concern to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities such as so called 'honour' based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

In December 2011, we issued a consultation on widening the current cross-government definition of domestic violence. In addition, the consultation also seeks views on whether the current definition is being applied consistently across government and if it is understood by practitioners, victims and perpetrators.

Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme - Government announces one-year pilot from Summer 2012

On 5 March 2012, the government announced that a one-year pilot will take place from the summer of 2012 to test out a domestic violence disclosure scheme in the police force areas of Greater Manchester, Gwent, Nottinghamshire and Wiltshire. The pilot will test a process for enabling the police to disclose to the public information about previous violent offending by a new or existing partner where this may help protect them from further violent offending. The government is committed to ensuring that the police and other agencies have the tools necessary to tackle domestic violence to bring offenders to justice and ensure victims have the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Further information about the pilot can be found on the domestic violence disclosure scheme consultation

'Three steps to escaping violence against women and girls'

In February 2012, in association with Southall Black Sisters, we released this leaflet offering help and guidance to women, girls and children suffering violence and abuse.

The leaflets are aimed at black and minority ethnic communities and are available in Arabic, Bengali, Pashto, Farsi, French, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Somali, Turkish and Urdu.

Forced marriage

The forced marriage unit has published its review of the implementation of the statutory guidance on forced marriage across public agencies in England and Wales.

The report focuses on how statutory agencies have applied the strategic principles for dealing with forced marriage and provides a number of recommendations for improving their response.

Male victims of domestic and/or sexual violence fund 2011-13

In December 2011 the Home Office launched a fund to support male victims of domestic and/or sexual violence. The following organisations were successful in this fund and will receive up to £10,000 over the next 2 years to support services for male victims.

Survivors UK
Women’s Support Network
Arch North Staffs
Southampton Rape Crisis
Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC)
Blackpool Advocacy
Safer Wales
Preston Domestic Violence Service
North Derby Women’s Aid
GALOP
The Lesbian and Gay Foundation
ROSA and Safeline